'I hold no hope': video of Aussie kidnapped in Philippines emerges

Warren Richard Rodwell said on the video that he is being held in isolation. He said he understands there are negotiations for his release under way but added, "I personally hold no hope at all for being released."

He said he was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a notorious al-Qaeda-linked group.

Philippine intelligence officials said on Wednesday they believe the video, which has been circulated on YouTube, is authentic.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr said while confirmation that Mr Rodwell was alive was welcome, the fact that he was still in captivity was ‘‘a major concern.’’

Senator Carr said the Philippines Government was leading efforts to secure Mr Rodwell’s release, and the Australian Government was assisting Philippines authorities.

Senator Carr said Australian officials were in regular communication with Mr Rodwell’s family.

‘‘It would not be helpful to Mr Rodwell to comment further,’’ he said.

Mr Rodwell appeared thinner than in a previous video posted in January. He held a copy of a local newspaper dated December 15 and said the recording was made the following day.

Mr Rodwell was abducted by six gunmen on December 5 last year in southern Zamboanga Sibugay province by several armed men who are believed to have fled in speedboats.

Bloodstains were found at the coastal home from which he was taken. A search of nearby islands failed to find any trace of him.

The kidnappers demanded an initial ransom of $US23,000 from his wife, with whom he runs a store in the seaside town of Ipil on Mindanao island.

According to police, Mr Rodwell's wife said she had no way of raising the ransom.

Australian travel advice for the Philippines recommends people do not travel to central or western Mindanao and warns of the danger of kidnapping in the area.